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Joining us as a volunteer not only changes lives but also offers a chance to forge lasting friendships, enjoy meaningful experiences, and truly connect with your community. We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of our volunteers, many of whom have been with us since the beginning! Marmalade volunteers say they feel supported and valued and enjoy meeting new, like-minded people.
Sammy and Irene's story
Sammy, 36, from Bristol met Irene through volunteering with the Marmalade Trust. After the project ended, they mutually decided they wanted to stay in touch and a lovely friendship has grown.
“In November 2019, I was struggling with my mental health. I’ve got friends, but I live alone, and I was feeling quite isolated,” Sammy shared. After seeing an advert for Marmalade Trust’s Christmas Cheer, she decided to apply. One of the people she was matched with was Irene, and since then, they’ve become close friends.
Every Wednesday at 4 p.m., Sammy calls Irene for a weekly catch-up. “We’ve also met up for coffee, gone shopping, and she’s come out for dinner with me and my friends,” Sammy said. Last Christmas, she and her friends even made Irene an extra Christmas meal so she would have one for Boxing Day as well. “Irene loves hearing about me going out with the girls and my trips to the pub because that’s what she loved to do herself.”
Despite their age gap, Sammy and Irene have much in common, including a shared love for gardening. “We both have bad days and talk about it. I encourage her to go out for a walk and get some fresh air, and if I’ve been working too hard, she tells me off and says I need to rest! I look after her, and she looks after me.”
Although the pandemic made it more challenging to meet in person, Sammy continued to support Irene. When Irene mentioned she needed a new walker, Sammy found an Argos catalogue, marked the walkers she thought would be good, and dropped it off at Irene’s house. “Irene ordered a walker and was so grateful; she says she doesn’t know what she’d do without it. She can go and get her hair done down the road now.”
For Irene, meeting Sammy has been transformative. “Irene says that meeting me has completely changed her life,” Sammy shared, reflecting on how small acts of kindness, like marking items in the Argos catalogue, can make a big difference.
Sammy initially started volunteering because she was feeling lonely herself and wanted something to keep her going. Now, she wholeheartedly recommends volunteering. “If you’re in a similar position, I’d really recommend signing up for volunteering or a companion scheme. It can be life-changing, and both of you can get so much joy out of it.”
Summing up the impact of her friendship with Irene, Sammy said, “My life is better for having Irene in it – and she’s good fun to take to the pub!”
Join our volunteer family
Each year, our small team at Marmalade HQ are overwhelmed with how many kind people offer their time to support their community. Through our Christmas Cheer and Marmalade Companion projects, we reach out to those most at risk of loneliness, guiding them to vital support and empowering them to make new friendships and connections.
Joining us as a volunteer not only changes lives but also offers a chance to forge lasting friendships, enjoy meaningful experiences, and truly connect with your community. We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of our volunteers, many of whom have been with us since the beginning! Marmalade volunteers say they feel supported and valued and enjoy meeting new, like-minded people.
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